NANCE
Nance
Nance is a surname of British origin, primarily found in Cornwall and Devon. The name is derived from the medieval female given name "Agnes", a variant of which was "Nan". Over time, "Nan" evolved into the surname "Nance".
Distribution and History
The surname Nance is most commonly found in the southwest of England, particularly in the counties of Cornwall and Devon. The name can be traced back to feudal times when surnames were often derived from personal names or characteristics.
Notable Individuals
1. William Nance (1855-1928)
- A renowned landscape painter from Cornwall known for his depictions of the rugged coastal scenery of the region.
2. Sarah Nance (b. 1973)
- A prominent historian and author specialising in the social history of Cornwall during the Industrial Revolution.
Variants
Variants of the surname Nance include "Nan", "Nanerz", and "Nancey". These variations reflect the evolution of the name over centuries and its adaptation to different regional dialects.
The surname Nance carries a rich history and remains an integral part of the cultural heritage of the southwest of England, particularly in Cornwall and Devon.
There are approximately 186 people named Nance in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Nance.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- Craig
- David
- Graham
- John
- Michael
- Oliver
- Peter
- Simon
Female
- Barbara
- Christine
- Claire
- Helen
- Jennifer
- Joan
- Judith
- Kathleen
- Linda
- Patricia
- Rosemary
- Susan
- Victoria